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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Abyss by Troy Denning (Author)Here is another exciting installment of the epic Star Wars series. The Amazon description states: Following a trail of clues across the galaxy, Luke Skywalker continues his quest to find the reasons behind Jacen Solo’s dark downfall and to win redemption for the Jedi Order. Sojourning among the mysterious Aing-Tii monks has left Luke and his son Ben with no real answers, only the suspicion that the revelations they seek lie in the forbidden reaches of the distant Maw Cluster. There, hidden from the galaxy in a labyrinth of black holes, dwell the Mind Walkers: those whose power to transcend their bodies and be one with the Force is as seductive and intoxicating as it is potentially fatal. But it may be Luke’s only path to the truth.

Meanwhile, on Coruscant, the war of wills between Galactic Alliance Chief of State Natasi Daala and the Jedi Order is escalating. Outraged over the carbonite freezing of young Jedi Knights Valin and Jysella Horn after their inexplicable mental breakdowns, the Jedi are determined to defy Daala’s martial tactics, override Council Master Kenth Hamner’s wavering leadership, and deal on their own terms with the epidemic of madness preying on their ranks. As Han and Leia Solo, along with their daughter Jaina, join the fight to protect more stricken Knights from arrest, Jedi healers race to find a cure for the rapidly spreading affliction. But none of them realize the blaster barrel is already swinging in their direction–and Chief Daala is about to pull the trigger.

Nor do Luke and Ben, deep in the Maw Cluster and pushing their Force abilities beyond known limits, realize how close they are–to the Sith strike squad bent on exterminating the Skywalkers, to a nexus of dark-side energy unprecedented in its power and its hunger, and to an explosive confrontation between opposing wielders of the Force from which only one Master–good or evil–can emerge alive.

A Princess of Landover by Terry Brooks (Author)Okay. I am a huge Terry Brooks fan and I can’t wait to get my hands on this one! Amazon describes it as: After fourteen years, New York Times bestselling fantasy master Terry Brooks has returned to the magic kingdom of Landover. The remarkable realm of dragons, demons, wizards, and wonders that wove an irresistible spell in five classic novels throws open its gates at long last for a brand-new adventure featuring a dazzling cast of characters and creatures.

Ben Holiday, Chicago lawyer and mere mortal turned monarch of enchanted Landover, has grappled with scheming barons, fire-breathing beasts, diabolical conjurers, and extremely wicked witches. None of whom have prepared him for the most daunting of challengers–a teenage daughter. Sent by Ben and his beloved sylph bride, Willow, to an exclusive girls’ prep school, headstrong (and half-magical) Mistaya Holiday has found life in the natural world a less than perfect fit. And when her latest rebellious antics get her indefinitely suspended, she’s determined to resume her real education–learning sorcery from court wizard Questor Thews–whether her parents like it or not.

But back home in Landover, Mistaya’s frustrated father is just as determined that the precocious princess learn some responsibility, and he declares her grounded until she successfully refurbishes the long-forsaken royal library. Mortified by the prospect of salvaging a king’s ransom in moldy books–and horrified by word that repulsive local nobleman Lord Laphroig seeks to marry her–Mistaya decides that the only way to run her own life is to run away from home.

So begins an eventful odyssey peppered with a formidable dragon, recalcitrant gnomes, an inscrutable magic cat, a handsome librarian, a sinister sorcerer, and more than a few narrow escapes as fate draws Landover’s intrepid princess to the last place she expected to go, and into the thick of a mystery that will put her mettle to the test–and might bring the kingdom to its knees.

Which will prove to be the more popular selection this week? A galaxy far, far away filled with the adventures of Star Wars or the fantastical return to Terry Brooks realm of Landover?

8
comments:

My husband LOVED the Terry Brooks books growing up and has been dying to get our son interested in them. But the library's books are older-looking and didn't seem to draw him in. Thanks for letting me know he's got a new release! Does it include backstory so that my son won't have to read the other books first?

How can you go wrong with another Star Wars episode? This one sounds like it has all the elements that made the others so appealing. I love the carbonite freeze thing. I’d love to find a way to jump in a vat of that stuff myself, then, “wakeup” a hundred years from now…how cool. Probably have a pretty bad headache, though.

Hi everyone - I am so glad you dropped by. There are some really good choices here today!

Elizabeth - It hasd definitely been a while since there has been a new Landover book. I hope there is a section to help us remember and to draw the new readers in. I can't wait to devour this one!

Beverly - I hear you! There are simply not enough hours in the day to read all the books I want to read...but it's sure fun trying! You have a couple great books coming out shortly yourself - Beverly is an amazing author of young adult and middle grade work and there are two very different books coming out for her over the next several weeks that you won't want to miss!

Karen - glad it piques your interest. Fantasy is all about the possibilities!

Marvin - I am a huge Star Wars fan too. Some of these books are sensational! My favoite movies will always be the first three, the beginning of the saga...well until they wrote the beginning and made the first the last...or something...

Diane - I love Terry Brooks work - can't say it enough! I can't wait to curl up and enjoy the realm of Landover again. Star Wars was definitely ahead of its time!

Galen - I agree! I remember being so worried about poor Hans flash frozen like that! I'll bet you're right about the headache, lol!

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About Me

My book, The Destineers Journal of Fantasy Nations, is an encyclopedic field guide of the various creatures in the fantasy world. There are, of course, the well known fairies, elves, and dragons, and some of the lesser recognized nations, like the Barbegazi, the Cloudwalkers, and, of course, the Butterfrogs.
My picture book, If Wishes Were Fishes, is now available on my sites, through the publisher 4RV Publishing, on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, 4 Love of Books & Art, and bookstores everywhere!

Click on image to purchase this Encyclopedic "Field Guide" to Fantasy Creatures

The Destineers Journal of Fantasy Nations...From Alchemist to Banshee, Bodach to dragon, and Yeti to Zombie, the authors give us a glimpse, sometimes with humor, sometimes with chills, of the inhabitants of the Nations of Fantasy. I recommend this guide for writers, readers, and everyone who loves fantasy novels and movies. Even those who aren't really into magical worlds will enjoy reading about the Dullahans, Mooncalves, and Thunderbirds.~Beverly Stowe McClure, Author (Amazon.com Review)